Track this topic | Email this topic | Print this topic

Yes, the icon has passed, but his music will live forever, and hopefully, his message will live on.

What are your thoughts on John Lennon, the Beatles, and the 60s movement?

--------------------

Praise Be To Helix!

I'm a child of the 60s born in the 80s...can't go wrong with the dulcet tones of Happiness is a Warm Gun oozing out the hi-fi, even if the song is about heroin. It's been a long 30 years, John. Hope you're well, wherever you are.

And as one of your disciples once crooned:

"Takes me to a distant place in time/This is not the first time I have pined"

This post has been edited by trismegistus on 10th October 2010 04:29

--------------------

"If art doesn't risk upsetting expectations and challenging its audience, it can only stagnate."

<3333 John <333 Beatles <33333 60s

I've said it before, I was born in the wrong era. I think I'd have liked the 60s a lot better.

--------------------

Squenix games completed:

FFIII
FFIV
FFVI
FFVII
FFIX
FFX
FF Tactics: Advance 2
Chrono Trigger
Dragon Quest 8
Dragon Quest 11
Super Mario RPG

I'm glad I don't feel differently. I feel that most of my tastes in music, film, in video games, in a way, and definitely my politics were influenced my the things that happened in that era.

What are your favorite Beatles song(s)? (I know, for me, it's too hard to choose one.) What about John's solo songs? I love Working Class Hero, Hold on and Starting Over.

--------------------

Praise Be To Helix!

I love the Beatles. John Lennon seemed to lead a typical rockstar/artist life. He and Yoko made a real cute couple, but i don't like her music much.

Favorite Beatles Songs: Nowhere Man, Come Together, Yesterday, Yellow Submarine

Quote (BlitzSage @ 10th October 2010 00:15)

What are your favorite Beatles song(s)? (I know, for me, it's too hard to choose one.) What about John's solo songs? I love Working Class Hero, Hold on and Starting Over.

Hmmm...my absolute favorite is, as said, probably Happiness is a Warm Gun. John and George's work on The White Album were so tremendous and radical and wonderful, I don't think there is a bad cut between them and even Paul, who I usually feel bats about 50/50, delivered some staggering moments on that one. I also love Taxman, Penny Lane, Tomorrow Never Knows, and the full version of Dig It. As for John's solo work, I like Mother, Working Class Hero, God, and his guitar work on Yoko's Why is mind-blowing. Though as far as straight pop goes I always thought that The Kinks may have surpassed The Beatles, once our boys started taking chances they blew nearly every other performer out of the water, except maybe Brian Wilson, and Brian's towering achievement wasn't even properly released.

--------------------

"If art doesn't risk upsetting expectations and challenging its audience, it can only stagnate."

*to the tune of imagine*
Imagine there's no Harmony.
Imagine There's no Chaos.
Imagine There's no heroes.
Imagine there's no villains.

Imagine all the crystals,
Light starts to fade awaaaay...
-----------------------------------------
I know It's a thred about good old john, but I can't help but remember all of the beatles...

--------------------

The meaning of life is life itself.

We were put on this earth to follow our dreams unabated.

Quote (trismegistus @ 10th October 2010 02:10)

Quote (BlitzSage @ 10th October 2010 00:15)

What are your favorite Beatles song(s)? (I know, for me, it's too hard to choose one.) What about John's solo songs? I love Working Class Hero, Hold on and Starting Over.

Hmmm...my absolute favorite is, as said, probably Happiness is a Warm Gun.

I love that song. Here it is, for anybody who hasn't heard it.

I'm sure the Kinks are good, but I highly doubt they have the sheer amount of hits that the Beatles had. No one does. Does anybody else have the Anthology? Listening to any one of the albums is literally like listening to a best of collection from any other artist. Even people I absolutely love don't have that kind of work, even Bob Dylan, who I consider the best songwriter ever.

Quote (PendragonKuro)

I know It's a thred about good old john, but I can't help but remember all of the beatles...

Go ahead, I mean, that is part of his legacy. And it's the best band of all time, so, yeah, lol.

I think my all time favorite is A Day in the Life. I think that's their best, but it's so hard to pick.

--------------------

Praise Be To Helix!

Quote (BlitzSage @ 10th October 2010 12:46)

I'm sure the Kinks are good, but I highly doubt they have the sheer amount of hits that the Beatles had. No one does.

Naw, they had a few hits, but nowhere near the amount The Beatles did. Though actually I think Elvis tops the lads from Liverpool in the sheer amount of #1s, I'm not much of an Elvis fan so I'll stick with The Beatles. Though if you haven't yet, give The Kinks "Something Else" a listen sometime, it's solid 60s pop.

--------------------

"If art doesn't risk upsetting expectations and challenging its audience, it can only stagnate."

Quote (trismegistus @ 10th October 2010 14:45)

Quote (BlitzSage @ 10th October 2010 12:46)

I'm sure the Kinks are good, but I highly doubt they have the sheer amount of hits that the Beatles had. No one does.

Naw, they had a few hits, but nowhere near the amount The Beatles did. Though actually I think Elvis tops the lads from Liverpool in the sheer amount of #1s, I'm not much of an Elvis fan so I'll stick with The Beatles. Though if you haven't yet, give The Kinks "Something Else" a listen sometime, it's solid 60s pop.

Yeah, but Elvis wasn't really a writer, and I wasn't really talking about stats, I'm talking about just good songs. But Paul and John wrote just about everything they did.

--------------------

Praise Be To Helix!

John lennon is a great song writer so yeah its no joke or surprise.

He was loved by many as well and harry nilson sings a beatles song.

He was good friends with john lennon.

They were all very talented in their way.

I recommend you all take out a beatles album and listen to it,that way you can remember them as they were when they were together.



--------------------

We are stardust.Our bodies are made from the guts of exploding stars.

Neil Degrasse Tyson.

I've always been in a weird boat when it comes to this topic. See, I love a lot of the music that the Beatles made, especially their more bluesy era and much less so (though still a great deal) their experimental phase.

That said, I kind of put Lennon in the same category as Che Guevara in that he's someone that originally stood for a particular ideal, died, and was turned into a profitable bastardization of everything they stood for. And even then, I didn't care much for that whole vegan-pacifist shtick. I never cared for any of his solo work, either. That's to say nothing of the audio-garbage he and Yoko Ono put together on her part. For someone who advocated a brotherhood of man, he was quite the bitter fellow, no? I think George Harrison was the only Beatle I could bring myself to like as an individual, and I much prefer his solo work to John's. However, many of my favorite Beatles tunes were written or co-written by him, an I still absolutely respect his talent as an artist. It was a shame what happened to him and he certainly is missed by many.

If I have to pick a favorite song written by the man, it absolutely has to be "I Want You (She's So Heavy)"

--------------------

Okay, but there was a goat!

Hey Blitz, you ever heard The Apples in Stereo? They're a modern-ish band (first album was in the early 90s I think) but they capture that sugary 60s pop sound great, of the Beach Boys/Beatles variety. If you haven't, check out the album "Fun Trick Noisemaker" or if you're more of an iTunes type of guy, try the songs Glowworm or Lucky Charm, I think you might dig em.

--------------------

"If art doesn't risk upsetting expectations and challenging its audience, it can only stagnate."

Quote (Dragon_Fire @ 11th October 2010 00:31)

I've always been in a weird boat when it comes to this topic. See, I love a lot of the music that the Beatles made, especially their more bluesy era and much less so (though still a great deal) their experimental phase.

That said, I kind of put Lennon in the same category as Che Guevara in that he's someone that originally stood for a particular ideal, died, and was turned into a profitable bastardization of everything they stood for. And even then, I didn't care much for that whole vegan-pacifist shtick. I never cared for any of his solo work, either. That's to say nothing of the audio-garbage he and Yoko Ono put together on her part. For someone who advocated a brotherhood of man, he was quite the bitter fellow, no? I think George Harrison was the only Beatle I could bring myself to like as an individual, and I much prefer his solo work to John's. However, many of my favorite Beatles tunes were written or co-written by him, an I still absolutely respect his talent as an artist. It was a shame what happened to him and he certainly is missed by many.

If I have to pick a favorite song written by the man, it absolutely has to be "I Want You (She's So Heavy)"

I agree... with mostly all of this heh. I don't really care for John Lennon the individual much (pacifist and a bit of a douche), but he did make some great music. I also agree that good ol' George was my favorite. And all that "audio garbage" he put out is just an embarrassment.

There is one post-Beatles Lennon song that I really love though: Whatever Gets You Thru the Night.

--------------------

Currently Playing : Final Fantasy V
Most Recently Beat : Elder Scrolls: Skyrim
Favorite Game : Final Fantasy X

The newest CoNcast is up! Have a listen!

Quote (Dragon_Fire @ 10th October 2010 19:31)

I never cared for any of his solo work, either. That's to say nothing of the audio-garbage he and Yoko Ono put together on her part. For someone who advocated a brotherhood of man, he was quite the bitter fellow, no?

Well, yeah. And Yoko is awful. Just awful. Whether or not she "broke up the Beatles", or if she was actually a good person, I dunno. But as a singer? Eurgh.

That said, Imagine is a great album. Not just the title song, either; save Oh Yoko I love all of it. That's just me, though, and I can't muster up even half the enthusiasm for any of their solo work as I can for the Beatles' stuff together. Except maybe "Got My Mind Set On You" by George. So good.

--------------------

Squenix games completed:

FFIII
FFIV
FFVI
FFVII
FFIX
FFX
FF Tactics: Advance 2
Chrono Trigger
Dragon Quest 8
Dragon Quest 11
Super Mario RPG

I love John and Yoko's audio garbage...sniff...

Though I should agree that actually as far as solo work goes, George had my favourite post-Beatles record, All Things Must Pass...only Mr. Harrison could record a 3-LP set without a wasted cut. Well, without a wasted cut for 5 of the sides, anyway...

--------------------

"If art doesn't risk upsetting expectations and challenging its audience, it can only stagnate."

Yoko was avant garde. You don't like it because it's not supposed to sound commercial. Yet, she got good reviews on Double Fantasy.

--------------------

Praise Be To Helix!

Quote (BlitzSage @ 10th October 2010 22:52)

Yoko was avant garde. You don't like it because it's not supposed to sound commercial. Yet, she got good reviews on Double Fantasy.

I like the Klaxons. I like MGMT's weirder stuff, not just Electric Feel. I like a lot of indie music; commercial can be good, but I like some out there music as well. Yoko? I don't like her because she's an awful musician.

--------------------

Squenix games completed:

FFIII
FFIV
FFVI
FFVII
FFIX
FFX
FF Tactics: Advance 2
Chrono Trigger
Dragon Quest 8
Dragon Quest 11
Super Mario RPG

Quote (BlitzSage @ 10th October 2010 23:52)

Yoko was avant garde. You don't like it because it's not supposed to sound commercial. Yet, she got good reviews on Double Fantasy.

Even as a joke, this comment is awful. My opinion of Yoko has exactly nothing to do with her distance from commercial music's sound. (which, at the time, WAS actually mainstream considering the popularity and notoriety she enjoyed in the public eye.) I don't want to turn this into an "I'm more indie than you" contest, so suffice it to say my musical library is both varied and expansive. I dislike Yoko because, in my opinion, her music is extravagant for the sake of being so and lacks any other real substance. Art, for the sake of being art, if you will. It's pretentious, and often supported by people simply because of who she is rather than what she actually created. It is precisely because of her proximity to John that she became what she is.

Avant-garde, in music, refers to an artist who is both innovative and ahead of their time. Yoko qualifies for neither of these aspects as her musical stylings were based on influences from groups such as the B-52s and John Cage and largely borrowed their motifs.

Finally, reviews, much like the opinions expressed here, are subjective and thus don't add to the credibility of an artist. I can think of plenty of other artists I believe to be complete trash that have gotten good reviews and public praise. (3Oh!3, Nickleback, Nirvana, etc.)

This post has been edited by Dragon_Fire on 11th October 2010 22:26

--------------------

Okay, but there was a goat!

Quote (Dragon_Fire @ 11th October 2010 00:31)

I've always been in a weird boat when it comes to this topic. See, I love a lot of the music that the Beatles made, especially their more bluesy era and much less so (though still a great deal) their experimental phase.

That said, I kind of put Lennon in the same category as Che Guevara in that he's someone that originally stood for a particular ideal, died, and was turned into a profitable bastardization of everything they stood for. And even then, I didn't care much for that whole vegan-pacifist shtick. I never cared for any of his solo work, either.

Wow, I really agree with this. Plus it's not that I hate John Lennon, I just don't like his silly optimism and his favoring of the controversial during his solo career. I have said before I really don't like "Imagine", and it's one of the most irritating songs out there because it just didn't understand humanity. We have to fight, we have to believe in our past, we have to have possessions, we have to have faith. It's apart of us.

I still admire his ability to move people, I just didn't agree with the guy. Brilliant, though. In fact, my favorite Beatles song "I'm Only Sleeping" was written by him.

--------------------

I say what I wanna say, I play how I wanna play.

Quote (Harlequin @ 11th October 2010 20:38)

silly optimism... we have to have faith.

I don't want to press this, because I've already been scolded once in this for joking around. Isn't that the definition of faith? Silly optimism, having hope in things in which you have no proof. Have you heard the phrase, a fool's hope?

What exactly do you mean by fight? Fight for our beliefs? Just fight period? Because John Lennon definitely fought for what he believed in, which was pacifism. And the message of Imagine is very simple. What if we all forget about our differences, what he believe and what we have, and just live together. I don't see how that's irritating.

--------------------

Praise Be To Helix!

John Lennon's death was a tragedy. He was one of rock and roll's greatest poets and (if you'll forgive me for using the term ) dreamers.

But honestly, my favorite Beatle by default was probably George. My two favorite Beatles songs are While My Guitar Gently Weeps and Here Comes the Sun, both of which are George songs. I also appreciate his (relative to the other three) virtuosity as a musician and his (relative to the other three) more reserved demeanor.

--------------------

this is a blog mostly about comics and videogames
END SPOILER

Quote (laszlow @ 11th October 2010 20:21)

But honestly, my favorite Beatle by default was probably George

I'm surprised to hear so many people here say this because I always thought... that I was the only one who felt this way. Most of my familiarity with the Beatles growing up came from my dad, and I inherited his love for George's solo work as well but this is the first time I've ever heard of people feeling the same way.

--------------------

"We're not tools of the government or anyone else. Fighting... fighting was the only thing I was ever good at, but at least I always fought for what I believed in." - Frank Yeager (a.k.a. Grey Fox)

Quote (laszlow @ 11th October 2010 22:21)

dreamers.

You may say he's a dreamer, but he's not the only one.

--------------------

Praise Be To Helix!

Quote (trismegistus @ 10th October 2010 10:45)

Naw, they had a few hits, but nowhere near the amount The Beatles did. Though actually I think Elvis tops the lads from Liverpool in the sheer amount of #1s.

The Beatles have the most U.S. number 1 hits with 20. I'm pretty sure Mariah Carey is now second with 18, and Elvis is third with 17. Also, the Kinks are awesome. Definitely the most underrated of the British Invasion bands, probably because they were barred from America for so long. They were one of the original pioneers of garage rock and later on moved to a more diverse almost showtune sound.

I've long been a Beatles fan. Although my personal favorite is Paul McCartney, of course I have the utmost respect for John Lennon's musical talent. I agree that he often came across as hypocritical and preachy in his political views ("Imagine no possessions"...Hi, I'm a millionaire!) but he nonetheless made many valid points with them.

You're right, Morph. I got mixed up and was talking about of songs that hit the top 10, not 1. Elvis has more songs that made it to the top 10 than The Beatles, but the lads have more that actually hit #1

--------------------

"If art doesn't risk upsetting expectations and challenging its audience, it can only stagnate."

Quote (MetroidMorphBall @ 12th October 2010 00:58)

The Beatles have the most U.S. number 1 hits with 20. I'm pretty sure Mariah Carey is now second with 18, and Elvis is third with 17.

I really hope Mariah Carey doesn't get more than the Beatles. I reeeeeally do.

Also, no love for Ringo? He was definitely most underappreciated, and still is I think, but I like his voice the most simply because it stands out more, and even though he wrote only like 5 songs I like all of them (whereas each of the others had at least a couple I dislike. Honey Pie, anyone?)

--------------------

Squenix games completed:

FFIII
FFIV
FFVI
FFVII
FFIX
FFX
FF Tactics: Advance 2
Chrono Trigger
Dragon Quest 8
Dragon Quest 11
Super Mario RPG

Quote (Quad @ 12th October 2010 15:23)

I really hope Mariah Carey doesn't get more than the Beatles. I reeeeeally do.

Even if she does by 300 songs, it won't matter. I would be surprised if anybody thought she is near them on the talent spectrum.

--------------------

Praise Be To Helix!

Quote (BlitzSage @ 10th October 2010 05:11)

Yes, the icon has passed, but his music will live forever, and hopefully, his message will live on.

What are your thoughts on John Lennon, the Beatles, and the 60s movement?

I liked the early Beatles when they were still the boys in the band. Not really so hot on the John Lennon 'message' as such, for reasons that a striking number of people seem to have already said, thankfully!

60s movement? Big fan of the Kinks, the Doors, the Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd -- if they all count as 60s 60s. The Jam may as well have been 60s as well. I must say that of all the big bands from then I probably listen to the Beatles the least. They're really good, I've just heard them too much at home when I was growing up. Nevertheless, what a great band, music would've been so different today without them, I'd imagine for the worse.

--------------------

Scepticism, that dry rot of the intellect, had not left one entire idea in his mind.

Me on the Starcraft.

Quote (MetroidMorphBall @ 12th October 2010 01:58)

("Imagine no possessions"...Hi, I'm a millionaire!) but he nonetheless made many valid points with them.

I'm not sure if he was hypocritical or not, but you don't have to be poor to be a socialist. And I'm sure there have been many who have been wealthy that have advocated it. You don't have to be poor to believe that capitalism is an immoral system.

And honestly, if Bill Gates wrote Working Class Hero, would that change the truth of the song? A hypocrite? Sure, I think we can all be hypocrites at times. But that doesn't change the truth or importance of a message. Look at Jefferson. By that logic, our republic is a lie, because he was a liar and a hypocrite, because he talked about freedom and owned slaves. But that doesn't change the message of the Declaration of Independence.

This post has been edited by BlitzSage on 14th October 2010 03:24

--------------------

Praise Be To Helix!